April 08 Issue

April 08 issue book titles and ratings are now up on the site. Magazine subscribers have access to reviews online. Non subscribers can access April issue reviews on May 1st.

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It's All About the Movies

This is a week of movies for those of us who like to read. The Oscars last Sunday were a celebration of a few movies based on books:

-- No Country For Old Men, based on the Cormac McCarthy novel had a decent showing with several awards, including the Best Actor award for Javier Bardem and Best Picture. This is a book I had intended to read for a long time, but I may just watch the movie and read a different McCarthy book.

-- The wonderful book THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY was nominated in several categories. Given that this is a story written by a man who was unable to move any part of his body except one eyelid, that is a truly amazing feat.

-- Ian McEwan's Atonement, while not nominated for many of the bigger awards beyond Best Picture, was thought by many to be the most romantic movie of the year. Most people considered it one of the most overlooked movies this awards season.

And this Friday, the movie version of THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL comes out. This is one of my favorite historical novels and I am looking forward to the theatrical release. If you love the show The Tudors on Showtime, I think you will enjoy this movie just as much.

For the kids, already in theaters is The Spiderwick Chronicles based on the young adult series. Coming soon is Horton Hears A Who? which looks really cute.

Nicole

Ready, Set, Here I Come!

Two months from now, the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention will be rolling into Pittsburgh, and I am excited! Already, I keep thinking about all the things I am looking forward to seeing and doing and experiencing.

For instance, I will be arriving on Wednesday, the day some of the festivities kick off. That night is the Ellora's Cave party, sure to be a good time, full of chocolate and sensuality, and of course, the authors of some of the best of Ellora's Cave books.

Thursday and Friday I will be attending several panels. A lot of people don't realize just how all-encompassing this convention is. There are things to do for everyone, whether your are a writer or a reader, a publisher or a bookseller.

Have a genre you particularly enjoy? There's a track of panels for you. And while some panels and workshops may seem oriented towards writers, I have found that as a fan, I learn just as much in those sessions.

Saturday is when it gets really different. The Book Fair is a sight to see and a great opportunity to meet those favorite authors you might have missed earlier in the week. Get your books signed or pick one the latest release from your favorite authors.

Later, enjoy an experience that is not to be missed: The Mr. Romance Cover Model contest. No explanation needed.

And Sunday is all about enrichment. Psychic Sunday teaches about how to get in touch with the inner you and apply those lessons to the rest of your life.

Each night has a party, which is an experience every woman should have. Costumes are optional, but fun will be had by everyone. There is also the Cover Model Reunion Dinner, the chance to meet with editors, agents and publishers if you aspire to write, and much, much more.

So, if you were debating whether the Convention was for you, take a look at the web site and join us in all the fun!

Nicole

American Title: Vote on the Best Romantic Scene

American Title Writing Competition Update: Find out who got eliminated in round four (Dialogue Scene) and make sure to cast your vote in the last round for the Best Romantic Scene.

Thank you!
Natalie
Web Manager

Strike Might Be Over Soon - Now What?

So you might have heard the rumors about the writers' strike being nearly resolved. You might be wondering what this means for the next few months - or, sad that your quiet time might be ending. Either way, I have a solution for you.

Many TV shows are based on books or have books written as tie-ins with them. Entertainment Weekly did a whole section on books you can read that are related to the shows currently on (in repeats). Here are some suggestions:

If you were a fan of Candace Bushnell's SEX AND THE CITY, the new series Lipstick Jungle is based on her book of the same name. It stars Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price as high-powered women and their day-to-day triumphs and failures.

Fans of Bones already know that the show is based on the novels by Kathy Reichs. I am told they complement each other quite well, without a lot of overlapping storylines.

Dexter is no longer currently showing, but the books by Jeff Lindsay should tide you over as well as giving you a sneak peek as to what is coming up. The first two seasons were based on the first two books and the third book, DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER is on the shelves.

One of the best prime-time soaps on the air is based on the YA series Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar. Want to know what happened before Serena van der Woodsen became the reformed bad girl? Read the books the show is based on.

Women's Murder Club is a successful series by James Patterson and also a television show starring Angie Harmon. One episode had a very cute cameo by Ms. Harmon's footballer husband, Jason Sehorn.

And of course, there are tie-ins for nearly any successful show, many written by big name authors or authors who have written the very episodes you know and love on television. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Heroes, Monk and even old favorites like Buffy and Angel have books that tie-in to the series. So, grab a book and get ready to dive back into your favorite series when they come back from the strike.

Nicole

Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, here are some interesting authors to try out, several of whom will be attending the convention in Pittsburgh:

Eric Jerome Dickey, probably one of the most recognizable names in African-American fiction, is going to be at the RT Convention this year. His covers are often hot and his books are always best sellers. Try CHASING DESTINY or SISTER, SISTER.

Brenda Jackson, beloved romance author, has also started her own publishing company, The Madaris Publishing Co. She recently re-released the first 5 books from her Madaris series. Try TONIGHT AND FOREVER, re-released in December. She will also be attending RT.

If you are looking for books for your daughter or niece, try Paula Chase's Del Rio Bay Clique novels. Cute, fun and perfect for reading with the young adults in your life. She will be a panelist at one of the Young Adult workshops at RT.

Francis Ray writes beautiful stories of love and romance. NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED came out January 22.

African-American Christian fiction is a fast-growing area and new voices are being added every week. If you are looking to explore this genre give Cecilia Dowdy, Stacy Hawkins Adams and Pat Simmons a try.

Ever wanted to see what the vampire fuss was all about? Then try L.A. Banks' Vampire Huntress novels. Her world building is some of the best out there. She will also be attending RT this year.

Nicole